2021 iMac - Considering getting it...

[thetommyboy2k]

Hey everyone.

I've been considering getting a 5,1 Mac Pro but just found out yesterday about the 24" iMac's. To the people who have them, do you like it and would you recommend it? Mainly will be using it for general purpose, maybe more things later

Thank you in advance!

 

[Fishrrman]

BE PATIENT.
The new iMac Pro 27" will be introduced in the next 2 months or so.

If you find the 24" m1 iMac interesting, I predict you will find the iMac Pro 27" MUCH MORE "interesting"...

 

[pmiles]

Hey everyone.

I've been considering getting a 5,1 Mac Pro but just found out yesterday about the 24" iMac's. To the people who have them, do you like it and would you recommend it? Mainly will be using it for general purpose, maybe more things later

Thank you in advance!

Explain why you were looking to get a 5,1 Mac Pro? These machines are all EOL and have no forward path in the Apple ecosystem. Don't get me wrong, I own one, but I had a very specific need for it at the time. Comparatively speaking, it still fits my use case far more than the new ARM Macs do.

You were very vague about how you intend to use your computer.

 

[mj_]

The new iMac Pro 27" will be introduced in the next 2 months or so.

Let me fix that for you.

Some for of new iMac, maybe a Pro, maybe not, maybe 27", maybe not, might possibly be introduced at some point in early 2022.

First it was a 32" iMac. Then a 30" iMac Pro with 6k display. Then a 27" iMac or maybe iMac Pro. And that new fantastic savior of mankind that is the new iMac has been no less than 2 months away since April of 2021. Maybe we should focus on giving advice based on what is known and available instead of giving advice based on unsubstantiated rumors and speculations.

 

[Slartibart]

Let me fix that for you.

Some for of new iMac, maybe a Pro, maybe not, maybe 27", maybe not, might possibly be introduced at some point in early 2022.

First it was a 32" iMac. Then a 30" iMac Pro with 6k display. Then a 27" iMac or maybe iMac Pro. And that new fantastic savior or mankind iMac has been no less than 2 months away since April of 2021. Maybe we should focus on giving advice based on what is known and available instead of giving advice based on unsubstantiated rumors and speculations.

and this is why I registered as a forum member here at macrumorsfacts 😂🤣

 

[Fishrrman]

mj wrote:
"Let me fix that for you."

You fixed nothing.
I stand by my post above, as posted.
The new iMac "Pro" (such are the rumors it will be called that to distinguish it from the m1 iMac) may have entered the first stages of production and will be announced relatively soon. I figure mid-late February announcement, shipping in March.

It was originally rumored to be a display larger than 27", but more recent report/rumors are saying 27", so that's where the 27" came from. It could be 28", 30", something larger. That, as yet, is nebulous.

If the OP buys a 24" iMac NOW, he may end up severely disappointed when the m1pro version comes out at the end of winter/early spring.

Best to be fully informed before making a final decision...

 

[mj_]

If you want to base advice on unsubstantiated rumors and speculations then fine, be my guest. Who am I to tell others what to do or not to do? However, in the name of truthfulness you might want to consider clarifying that your statements are not based on verifiable facts but of a highly speculative nature instead. Because apart from that your advice is actually pretty solid. There might be a new iMac just around the corner, it might have a 27" screen, and it therefore might make sense to hold off for another two months or so if possible just to see what's coming.

 

[Fatus_Asticus]

I'm waiting for the 27 inch iMac that should come between Spring and Fall of this year. I would guess on the earlier side of that timeframe.

 

[thetommyboy2k]

Explain why you were looking to get a 5,1 Mac Pro? These machines are all EOL and have no forward path in the Apple ecosystem. Don't get me wrong, I own one, but I had a very specific need for it at the time. Comparatively speaking, it still fits my use case far more than the new ARM Macs do.

You were very vague about how you intend to use your computer.

I've been wanting to replace my glitchy PC (crappiest PC I've ever had - a 19" AIO HP white front with teal back) with a Mac. I'm no stranger to the Mac world. I've had several. I wanted to get a Mac Pro because I would be doing general purpose... meaning web browsing, YouTube, things of that nature. I may want to have a YouTube channel at some point and might do some light video editing. I haven't decided for sure yet. I have always been a fan of a desktop with expandability. I went against that grain when I bought my first new Mac, an Indigo iMac in 2000. Horrible machine. Had the video card replaced three times. Eventually, they sent me a slightly upgraded 2001 Indigo iMac model. Was better in a lot of ways, but it has long since been gone. Even got one of the first Intel Mac mini's. Crapped out completely after a year and a half. No way of fixing it. Was pissed and stayed pissed at Apple for years. Wouldn't touch their stuff for years because of that. I eventually softened on Apple.

I thought it would be cool to find a top of the line Mac Pro 2010 or 2012 and max it out. Thought it would be viable for 4 or 5 years, or if not at least a few years. I eventually found out about the M1 iMac. I also found out they were available in colors! All I could say to that was thank God. I read more about it and watched YouTube reviews. Apple finally brought color back to the Mac and it's been LONG overdue. I'm not a fan of all black/gray/silver. A little if it's tastefully done, but for the most part, give me colors! For several years now, Apple has lost its individuality and has become way too utilitarian in their style. Some is good, but they overdid it. I've got to go to Best Buy to actually see them in person, but going by the pictures, they look good to me! I believe Apple has hit a home run with this Mac as it brings back what made their comeback so popular with the original iMac in 1998. (I have an Bondi blue and a Tangerine tray-loader as well). Another thing I'm enthusiastic about is the Apple M1 chip. It's like in their own way, Apple is going back to the "Think Different" campaign. Back when they were still mostly unique. I've heard the M1 will not be able to run Windows and I love that. The Macs of old couldn't run Windows natively in the PPC and earlier days. This is a return to form and I couldn't be happier.

Only time will tell and yes there are drawbacks, but the Mac... one that's not bland and one color fits all... is truly back and it's well past time!

 

[arkieboy72472]

I have used many many iMacs. Currently testing a base model orange M1 and before hand have used a maxed out 2011 27", a 2015 27" also maxed out, a 2012 21.5" base model, and a few others here and there mainly older models.

First, what are you using it for? Second, what is your budget? Third, how big are you on cracking open an iMac to do any upgrades if any or do you want to use it as is? Do you have to have the absolute latest OS? You have to answer these to get any real answer. If anything, what is your budget?

 

[thetommyboy2k]

I have used many many iMacs. Currently testing a base model orange M1 and before hand have used a maxed out 2011 27", a 2015 27" also maxed out, a 2012 21.5" base model, and a few others here and there mainly older models.

First, what are you using it for? Second, what is your budget? Third, how big are you on cracking open an iMac to do any upgrades if any or do you want to use it as is? Do you have to have the absolute latest OS? You have to answer these to get any real answer. If anything, what is your budget?

Hey!

To answer your questions:

1) Web browsing, watching YouTube videos, maybe writing from time to time. At some point in the future, I may want to create my own YouTube channel and do some light video work.

2) As of now... I'm having to save up for it. I got a job at a Covid-19 testing site last month after being out of work two months. I had Covid, ended up in the hospital and nearly died from it. Once I got out of the hospital, not long after, I lost the job I had because I wasn't recuperated enough to come back, which led to two months out of work. So, I kind of came full circle in working for a Covid-19 testing site. Since I've finally caught up on bills, I wanted to get something I knew I would keep for years. I have a Best Buy here in town and I want to look at the different colors, but then again, I'd see it up close and personal and would want to bring it home right then, but I know I couldn't.

After doing research on the M1 iMac, I would want the mid-tier model ($1,499) with an upgrade to 16 GB, so I could get more longevity out of it. That and having two fans along with a heat pipe in the mid-tier model, vs. one fan and no heat pipe in the base model is important to for keeping heat down. If that wasn't a concern, I would be more than happy with the base model.

3) Although I'm old-school and love separate monitor and separate computer, I would be more than happy to run it as is. I don't have to have the latest OS.

 

[arkieboy72472]

Along with a 2021 16GB M1, here is what I say: Any 2015 or newer 27" iMac will be fine. All of those can be upgraded to some extent. There are a few 21.5" models that can handle upgrades. The 2015-2017 models are a great bang for buck and offer some upgradeability.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

If you decide on the iMac 24", I'd recommend:
- 16gb of RAM
- Get the one with FOUR ports on the back (just 2 ports ARE NOT "enough" on a desktop)
- Get the ethernet option (this may come as standard on the 4-port model).

If money is tight, the m1 Mini could be a possible choice. Be aware that the Mini will get an "m1pro" update in 2022, but not sure yet just when...

 

[TechRunner]

I have a Best Buy here in town and I want to look at the different colors

I hope your Best Buy has more inventory than mine. As of today, they don't have a display model in any color, let alone the whole rainbow. An Apple store might be a better bet, if you have one nearby (2.5 hours away for me).

 

[thetommyboy2k]

OP:

If you decide on the iMac 24", I'd recommend:
- 16gb of RAM
- Get the one with FOUR ports on the back (just 2 ports ARE NOT "enough" on a desktop)
- Get the ethernet option (this may come as standard on the 4-port model).

If money is tight, the m1 Mini could be a possible choice. Be aware that the Mini will get an "m1pro" update in 2022, but not sure yet just when...

I was thinking the exact same thing on specs. I want to save up for the M1 iMac in part because of the color choices. It will take me a little while. Can't get it on credit because my credit is not that good.

 

[EugW]

Web browsing, watching YouTube videos, maybe writing from time to time. At some point in the future, I may want to create my own YouTube channel and do some light video work.

M1 MacBook Air with external monitor, M1 Mac mini, or of course, that 24" M1 iMac. I wouldn't necessarily bother waiting for the 27" unless you're wed to the idea of a 27" model.

While the 27" screen is going to be nice, the machine will be considerably more expensive, and any added performance will likely be overkill for your needs.

BTW, if you have to save up for a while, maybe by that time Apple will be selling refurb models for cheaper.

I had Covid, ended up in the hospital and nearly died from it.

Wow, glad you're OK!

 

[thetommyboy2k]

M1 MacBook Air with external monitor, M1 Mac mini, or of course, that 24" M1 iMac. I wouldn't necessarily bother waiting for the 27" unless you're wed to the idea of a 27" model.

While the 27" screen is going to be nice, the machine will be considerably more expensive, and any added performance will likely be overkill for your needs.

BTW, if you have to save up for a while, maybe by that time Apple will be selling refurb models for cheaper.


Wow, glad you're OK!

I've got my heart set on the M1 iMac. Only problem is deciding on the color. I'm a fan of anything blue, but I also like green. I'd like to see them in person, which may mean a trip to the Apple store as another poster mentioned their Best Buy didn't have even one on display in any color. Nearest Apple store is a county away.

The specs I want to get are summed up in the mid-tier model:

- 8 Core GPU
- 16 GB of RAM (while I've done a lot of research and many say 8 would be enough, since I want to keep this 5-10 years or somewhere in between, I want it to have max memory)
- Four ports on the back
- Either 256, 512 or 1 TB of storage (I'm kind of evaluating here because although I know I can plug up external storage, I still store photos and videos locally vs. having them on iCloud... again, old-school)
- Ethernet in the power brick
- Extended keyboard (meaning with num pad)

I'd really like to see the different colors in person, so I may make a trip to the Apple store today. Not entirely sure.

 

[MrMister111]

I've got my heart set on the M1 iMac. Only problem is deciding on the color. I'm a fan of anything blue, but I also like green. I'd like to see them in person, which may mean a trip to the Apple store as another poster mentioned their Best Buy didn't have even one on display in any color. Nearest Apple store is a county away.

The specs I want to get are summed up in the mid-tier model:

- 8 Core GPU
- 16 GB of RAM (while I've done a lot of research and many say 8 would be enough, since I want to keep this 5-10 years or somewhere in between, I want it to have max memory)
- Four ports on the back
- Either 256, 512 or 1 TB of storage (I'm kind of evaluating here because although I know I can plug up external storage, I still store photos and videos locally vs. having them on iCloud... again, old-school)
- Ethernet in the power brick
- Extended keyboard (meaning with num pad)

I'd really like to see the different colors in person, so I may make a trip to the Apple store today. Not entirely sure.

I think you are correct in a lot of choices above for spec.

For longevity I’d also recommend 16Gb RAM, 8 core GPU, 4 ports, and 512Gb SSD even though can extend this it’s nice to have internal space for future proofing. My iCloud photos library is 1Tb and is only growing so I’ve bought an external SSD as well as like to have them local as well as in iCloud.

Your right to look if possible at the colours on person as a lot are not what you think. The link looks red on the back to me, but pink on front so wouldn’t chose that. The orange looks pink on the front to me…etc etc.

The Apple M1 is really good as well, I’ve read a lot about it, yes benchmarks are great, but also in general day to day use people have proved it’s very good as well. You can also use iOS apps now which is great for certain apps, yes not all are optimised but the option is there.

Some say the speakers are good, some not, I think they are fine, to me they have decent bass and are more than good enough for everything I need.

The screen is excellent, I prefer AIO, everything is there, I am disappointed in Apple though on a desktop not having an SD slot at least, I’ve had to buy a dongle, when really I’m sure they could easily have put one on the side.

 

[thetommyboy2k]

So, I went to Best Buy in town and to my surprise, there were both a blue and green model. Both base spec'd. They were absolutely stunning! I used the blue one as blue is my favorite color. I can't stress this enough... pictures do NOT do these any justice. You have to see them if you want a true representation of the color. I was able to use the blue one. Even though I'll still get one with 8 GB of RAM, everything was nearly instantaneous except for loading Word, but even at that, it was still pretty lightning quick. This was my first time using a Retina display and it's magnificent! The dude working there asked me if I needed any help and I explained I would be saving up to get one. He told me they had two options for getting it on credit. I told him he could try but I was pretty certain I'd be denied and I was. The other option I'll have to inquire about Monday, but I have very little hope it will amount to anything.

After I looked them over, I decided to drive to Greenville to the Apple store at Haywood Mall. They had the rest of the colors. They all look just as stunning! It's going to be a long couple of months saving. I really wanted to take one home. I'm hopeful I can save enough before my 40th birthday to get one. I need something to go right this year. The new iMac M1 is truly great.

 

[Fatus_Asticus]

The screens are pretty for sure. One of the big reasons I returned my MBA for the new MBP was the screen. I can't wait to see the 27 inch mini led in a few months. I've been waiting, looking at the 24 and fighting the impulse to buy one now...

 

[dimme]

I have lots of Macs (andPCs) over the years. My 2019 i9 iMac went belly up over the summer (one of the worst Mac I have ever owned) so I need a replacement and when back and forth between the M1 mini and the 2021 iMac. I got the iMac and have been very happy. Very powerful and great screen. This computer is a fast or faster the the i9 Mac. As it's been said before get the 16GB of ram model.

 

[EugW]

I have lots of Macs (andPCs) over the years. My 2019 i9 iMac went belly up over the summer (one of the worst Mac I have ever owned) so I need a replacement and when back and forth between the M1 mini and the 2021 iMac. I got the iMac and have been very happy. Very powerful and great screen. This computer is a fast or faster the the i9 Mac. As it's been said before get the 16GB of ram model.

I'm curious. What happened with the 2019 i9?

Back in 2017 I bought an i7-7700K iMac, and with any significant load longer than 30 seconds it sounded like a vacuum cleaner. I returned it and got an i5-7600 and was much, much happier. In fact, I'm typing on that one right now.

IMO, the old iMac design (aside from the iMac Pro which had upgraded ventilation) was not appropriate for the recent i7 and i9 Intel CPUs.

 

[dimme]

"I'm curious. What happened with the 2019 i9?"

After I owned it for about 3 months It started shutting down when stressed. At first it was only once in a while while in Bootcamp running a flight simulator. Then it started happening once in a while in OS X. Because of Covid I just lived with it. It started getting worse and worse. I finally made a appointment at the Apple store, they ran it for 4 days and could not find an issue with it. I was convinced it was a bad or weak power supply. They wanted me to take it home and bring it back if it started again. By that time I had no faith in the machine and was tired of dealing with it, they gave me a great deal on a trade it.

 

[CooperBox]

I was thinking the exact same thing on specs. I want to save up for the M1 iMac in part because of the color choices. It will take me a little while. Can't get it on credit because my credit is not that good.

Probably a good thing that you cannot get it on credit. Many years ago my father told me, "Don't buy anything on hire-purchase (credit), it simply means you cannot afford it."
That was truly the best advise ever given to me. With the exception of property purchase, I never bought anything on credit, saving up carefully for months until I had the funds to buy (and often obtained a reasonable discount on). The satisfaction on achieving this has to be experienced! Yes one is certainly 'on a high' taking delivery of a new item purchased on credit, but believe me it's a much higher-high when one has saved up and purchased outright.

I've been greatly looking forward to seeing the new 27" iMac as soon as I heard about it early in 2021. But over the last few years knowing how Apple rush their new models out, often before all the newly engineered 'gremlins' have been house-trained, there's no way I will be an early adopter due to the potential risks. Even with the option of AppleCare the frustration of having to return a new model for after-service care with probable associated delays shouldn't be ignored.

Also by the time you've saved up for a new M1 iMac, the initial hardware or software bugs could well have been ironed out with the introduction of an enhanced spec model. As my father would have said, "You know it makes sense!"